= Hottest New Hatchbacks 2012 + New Chevy Models 2012 + =
#1
08-10-2011, 06:27 AM
= Hottest New Hatchbacks 2012 + New Chevy Models 2012 + =
Hottest New Hatchbacks of 2012 - Special Report from Road & Track
Member's, if you had to buy one of the below Hatchbacks, which one would you buy ? Post & let us know `Ok
The new hatchbacks put the “fun” back into functional.
~
By Nick Kurczewski
August 9, 2011
Slideshow >>
New Cars for 2012 >>
<!--/photos-video-wrapper-->
<!-- /Main photo wrapper --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->We’d like to welcome the hatchback Class of 2012, a strong group of newcomers. By sheer force of numbers—along with sizable horsepower output—cars such as the Ford Focus ST, Mini Coupe and Volkswagen Beetle Turbo are combining city-friendly proportions with driving fun, along with fuel economy that won’t break the bank.
A couple of our longtime favorites—the MazdaSpeed3 and VW Golf GTI—aren’t listed only because they’re not significantly brand spanking new in 2012. And while hatchbacks are often handy when it comes to hauling stuff, not all the cars in this list would be our first choice for a run to Ikea. For fun, we’ve even included the current King of the Hatchbacks, an Italian budget-buster that serves up 651 bhp and will set you back more than $300,000.
Our best hatchbacks of 2012:
2012 Ford Focus ST
Photos: 2012 Ford Focus ST >>
The new Ford Focus is already a standout performer in the realm of hatchbacks, thanks to its attractive styling, high feature content and solid steering. True, you can always opt for the Focus sedan. But that would mean missing out on the (arguably) better looks of the hatch, along with the hotter performance of the upcoming Focus ST. There’s nothing wrong with the 160-bhp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine found in the standard car. We just think a 246-bhp turbocharged 2.0-liter sounds, well, a lot more exciting. Ford has even stated that the Focus ST will deliver “significantly better fuel economy” than previous models, which were sold in Europe.
2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
The Fiat 500 is another recent European transplant now making a name for itself in the U.S. market. You can’t talk about the 500 and not mention “huggable,” at least once. Although chic, the 500 Coupe and Cabrio are definitely no speed demons. A 101-bhp 1.4-liter 4-cylinder is good on gas, but lacks the high-revving fizz that enthusiasts crave. Be patient, because the upcoming Abarth sports model will offer a turbocharged 170-bhp 4-cylinder, along with other go-fast goodies like a lowered suspension, beefier brakes, larger alloy wheels, and a vicious body kit. The Fiat 500 starts at roughly $15,500, but we expect the Abarth model to start well past $20,000 when it goes on sale next year (likely as a 2013 model).
2012 Hyundai Veloster
Photos: 2012 Hyundai Veloster >>
The Veloster looks like a hatchback coupe, but this strange little car has three doors: one on the driver’s side, and two on the passenger’s side. While not a traditionally beautiful car—that front end can look very busy from certain angles—it’s definitely a bold new design. We guarantee you will never lose a Veloster in a parking lot. A direct-injected 138-bhp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine will deliver more than 40 mpg during highway driving. A 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission are available. Hyundai is also working on a turbocharged Veloster that could offer upward of 200 bhp.
2012 Mini Coupe
Photos: 2012 Mini Coupe >>
Mini has always been great at building cars with razor-sharp handling and engines that love to rev. The new Mini Coupe simply cranks this up another notch. We came away highly impressed with this car after a brief stint behind the wheel. Okay, the rear seats have been jettisoned—but that’s no great loss considering the cramped rear confines. The Mini Coupe is even more dialed into the kind of point-and-squirt driving that makes the regular Mini Cooper such a blast. Engines range from a 121-bhp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder to a turbocharged 208-bhp powerplant in the John Cooper Works model.
2012 Chevrolet Spark
Photos: 2011 Chevrolet Spark >>
Chevrolet subcompacts have often featured anonymous styling, which is good, since the driving experience was often equally dull. But the new Chevrolet Spark could turn the tides of history by offering frugal mechanicals in a very funky little package. The Spark has been on sale in other markets around the world, though the existing 1.0- and 1.2-liter engines are probably a tad too weak for U.S. tastes. Look for a power boost (thanks to turbocharging or slightly larger 4-cylinder) and some chunkier looks, courtesy of a mid-cycle freshening that’s due the entire Spark range.
2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo
Photos: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle >>
In case you haven’t already heard, this is the new “masculine” update of the Beetle. Whatever you think about the marketing, the new Beetle is definitely sportier and far less cute. To our eyes, this latest Beetle even looks more like the original. A 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine is standard, but we’d recommend the turbocharged 200-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox. During a test drive, we found that Volkswagen’s engineers balanced the sports suspension to provide a comfortable highway ride and highly spirited handling.
2012 Ferrari FF
Photos: 2012 Ferrari FF >>
This is the King Kong of hatchbacks, although Ferrari would probably prefer that you simply call it a gran turismo, or something similarly cool and Italian. We’d love to see someone try loading a FF with garden supplies, but we’d much rather have the keys ourselves and open up that 651-bhp V-12 engine for as long as possible. Ferrari quotes a top speed of 208 mph, with the sprint to 60 mph taking only 3.7 seconds. An all-wheel-drive system is standard, making this your perfect $300,000 year-round supercar.
Member's, if you had to buy one of the below Hatchbacks, which one would you buy ? Post & let us know `Ok
The new hatchbacks put the “fun” back into functional.
~By Nick Kurczewski
August 9, 2011
Slideshow >>New Cars for 2012 >><!--/photos-video-wrapper-->
<!-- /Main photo wrapper --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->We’d like to welcome the hatchback Class of 2012, a strong group of newcomers. By sheer force of numbers—along with sizable horsepower output—cars such as the Ford Focus ST, Mini Coupe and Volkswagen Beetle Turbo are combining city-friendly proportions with driving fun, along with fuel economy that won’t break the bank.
A couple of our longtime favorites—the MazdaSpeed3 and VW Golf GTI—aren’t listed only because they’re not significantly brand spanking new in 2012. And while hatchbacks are often handy when it comes to hauling stuff, not all the cars in this list would be our first choice for a run to Ikea. For fun, we’ve even included the current King of the Hatchbacks, an Italian budget-buster that serves up 651 bhp and will set you back more than $300,000.
Our best hatchbacks of 2012:
2012 Ford Focus ST
Photos: 2012 Ford Focus ST >>
The new Ford Focus is already a standout performer in the realm of hatchbacks, thanks to its attractive styling, high feature content and solid steering. True, you can always opt for the Focus sedan. But that would mean missing out on the (arguably) better looks of the hatch, along with the hotter performance of the upcoming Focus ST. There’s nothing wrong with the 160-bhp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine found in the standard car. We just think a 246-bhp turbocharged 2.0-liter sounds, well, a lot more exciting. Ford has even stated that the Focus ST will deliver “significantly better fuel economy” than previous models, which were sold in Europe.
2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
The Fiat 500 is another recent European transplant now making a name for itself in the U.S. market. You can’t talk about the 500 and not mention “huggable,” at least once. Although chic, the 500 Coupe and Cabrio are definitely no speed demons. A 101-bhp 1.4-liter 4-cylinder is good on gas, but lacks the high-revving fizz that enthusiasts crave. Be patient, because the upcoming Abarth sports model will offer a turbocharged 170-bhp 4-cylinder, along with other go-fast goodies like a lowered suspension, beefier brakes, larger alloy wheels, and a vicious body kit. The Fiat 500 starts at roughly $15,500, but we expect the Abarth model to start well past $20,000 when it goes on sale next year (likely as a 2013 model).
2012 Hyundai Veloster
Photos: 2012 Hyundai Veloster >>
The Veloster looks like a hatchback coupe, but this strange little car has three doors: one on the driver’s side, and two on the passenger’s side. While not a traditionally beautiful car—that front end can look very busy from certain angles—it’s definitely a bold new design. We guarantee you will never lose a Veloster in a parking lot. A direct-injected 138-bhp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine will deliver more than 40 mpg during highway driving. A 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission are available. Hyundai is also working on a turbocharged Veloster that could offer upward of 200 bhp.
2012 Mini Coupe
Photos: 2012 Mini Coupe >>
Mini has always been great at building cars with razor-sharp handling and engines that love to rev. The new Mini Coupe simply cranks this up another notch. We came away highly impressed with this car after a brief stint behind the wheel. Okay, the rear seats have been jettisoned—but that’s no great loss considering the cramped rear confines. The Mini Coupe is even more dialed into the kind of point-and-squirt driving that makes the regular Mini Cooper such a blast. Engines range from a 121-bhp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder to a turbocharged 208-bhp powerplant in the John Cooper Works model.
2012 Chevrolet Spark
Photos: 2011 Chevrolet Spark >>
Chevrolet subcompacts have often featured anonymous styling, which is good, since the driving experience was often equally dull. But the new Chevrolet Spark could turn the tides of history by offering frugal mechanicals in a very funky little package. The Spark has been on sale in other markets around the world, though the existing 1.0- and 1.2-liter engines are probably a tad too weak for U.S. tastes. Look for a power boost (thanks to turbocharging or slightly larger 4-cylinder) and some chunkier looks, courtesy of a mid-cycle freshening that’s due the entire Spark range.
2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo
Photos: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle >>
In case you haven’t already heard, this is the new “masculine” update of the Beetle. Whatever you think about the marketing, the new Beetle is definitely sportier and far less cute. To our eyes, this latest Beetle even looks more like the original. A 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine is standard, but we’d recommend the turbocharged 200-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox. During a test drive, we found that Volkswagen’s engineers balanced the sports suspension to provide a comfortable highway ride and highly spirited handling.
2012 Ferrari FF
Photos: 2012 Ferrari FF >>
This is the King Kong of hatchbacks, although Ferrari would probably prefer that you simply call it a gran turismo, or something similarly cool and Italian. We’d love to see someone try loading a FF with garden supplies, but we’d much rather have the keys ourselves and open up that 651-bhp V-12 engine for as long as possible. Ferrari quotes a top speed of 208 mph, with the sprint to 60 mph taking only 3.7 seconds. An all-wheel-drive system is standard, making this your perfect $300,000 year-round supercar.
Last edited by Space; 08-10-2011 at 07:19 AM.
#2
08-10-2011, 06:34 AM
New Cars for 2012 - First Look
The enthusiast’s guide to all the 2012 performance cars that really matter.
By the R&T staff
July 11, 2011
<!-- main image hidden --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->
<TABLE class=default border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=600><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Acura</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Ferrari</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Lincoln</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Rolls-Royce</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Aston Martin</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Fiat</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Lotus</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Saab</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Audi</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Fisker</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Maserati</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Scion</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Bentley</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Ford</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Maybach</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Smart</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• BMW</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Honda</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Mazda</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Subaru</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Bugatti</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Hyundai</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• McLaren</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Suzuki</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Buick</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Infiniti</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Mercedes-Benz</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Tesla</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Cadillac</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Jaguar</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Mini</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Toyota</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Chevrolet</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Kia</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Mitsubishi</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Volkswagen</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Chrysler</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Lamborghini</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Nissan</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Volvo</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Dodge</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Lexus</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Porsche</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Because of the rapid year ’round pace of introductions, we’ve decided to augment our review of next year’s automobiles and reach a little further into the future—all the way to 2013. The automotive industry is back on its feet, and has clearly leveraged its more stable footing to focus on improved technology. The result is a slew of models that offers greater performance and economy, with most manufacturers accomplishing both at the same time. Electric propulsion, hybridization and direct-injection technologies are quickly becoming common to every automaker. But don’t worry; it’s not all about fuel economy. There are plenty of new sports cars to be excited about at every price level, ranging from the awesome Lamborghini Aventador to the Scion FR-S. So join us for a look at what the next couple of years holds in store, er, dealership.
Up first: Acura >>
The cars in the Class of 2012 are as varied as ever, but we’ve highlighted 12 of them that appeal to R&T readers. Look for the R&T “Must-Have” stamp.
<TABLE class=default border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Aston Martin Virage</TD><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Honda Civic Si</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder</TD><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 BMW M5</TD><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Jaguar XKR-S</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1</TD><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8</TD><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 McLaren MP4-12C</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Ferrari FF</TD><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Porsche GT3 RS 4.0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The enthusiast’s guide to all the 2012 performance cars that really matter.
By the R&T staff
July 11, 2011
<!-- main image hidden --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->
<TABLE class=default border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=600><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Acura</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Ferrari</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Lincoln</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Rolls-Royce</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Aston Martin</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Fiat</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Lotus</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Saab</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Audi</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Fisker</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Maserati</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Scion</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Bentley</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Ford</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Maybach</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Smart</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• BMW</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Honda</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Mazda</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Subaru</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Bugatti</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Hyundai</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• McLaren</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Suzuki</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Buick</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Infiniti</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Mercedes-Benz</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Tesla</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Cadillac</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Jaguar</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Mini</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Toyota</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Chevrolet</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Kia</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Mitsubishi</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Volkswagen</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Chrysler</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Lamborghini</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Nissan</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Volvo</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• Dodge</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Lexus</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top>• Porsche</TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top></TD><TD vAlign=top></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Because of the rapid year ’round pace of introductions, we’ve decided to augment our review of next year’s automobiles and reach a little further into the future—all the way to 2013. The automotive industry is back on its feet, and has clearly leveraged its more stable footing to focus on improved technology. The result is a slew of models that offers greater performance and economy, with most manufacturers accomplishing both at the same time. Electric propulsion, hybridization and direct-injection technologies are quickly becoming common to every automaker. But don’t worry; it’s not all about fuel economy. There are plenty of new sports cars to be excited about at every price level, ranging from the awesome Lamborghini Aventador to the Scion FR-S. So join us for a look at what the next couple of years holds in store, er, dealership.
Up first: Acura >>
The cars in the Class of 2012 are as varied as ever, but we’ve highlighted 12 of them that appeal to R&T readers. Look for the R&T “Must-Have” stamp.
<TABLE class=default border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Aston Martin Virage</TD><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Honda Civic Si</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder</TD><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 BMW M5</TD><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Jaguar XKR-S</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1</TD><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8</TD><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 McLaren MP4-12C</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Ferrari FF</TD><TD vAlign=top>• 2012 Porsche GT3 RS 4.0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
#3
08-10-2011, 06:41 AM
New from Chevrolet for 2012 - First Look
New cars from Chevrolet for the 2012 model year.
By the R&T Staff
July 11, 2011
More from Chevrolet >>
<!--/photos-video-wrapper-->
<!-- /Main photo wrapper --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Chevrolet looks to deliver some excitement next year beginning with the all-new subcompact Sonic. The same two engines in the Chevy Cruze will power the smaller Sonic, a 1.8-liter inline-4 (135 bhp with a 6-speed auto or 5-speed manual transmission) or the turbocharged 1.4-liter (138 bhp with a 6-speed manual only), both of which make this sub-$15K car a fun and attractive package. See our Drive of the Sonic in this issue.
2012 Chevrolet Sonic
An all-new 2013 Malibu makes its debut next year. Its fully redesigned exterior blends sportier styling cues from both Camaro and Corvette. The engine is a new direct-injection 2.5-liter Ecotec, slightly more powerful and efficient than the previous 2.4-liter, which will mate to a newly optimized 6-speed automatic. Chevy will retain the 2.4-liter for use in the Malibu ECO model with eAssist, which will pair a 15-kW electric motor and 0.5-kWh lithium-ion battery for mild-hybrid functionality.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
Another star player, the Camaro, gets a revised V-6 engine—the LFX—that’s lighter and bumps peak power output by 11 bhp to 323 bhp at 6800 rpm while returning 30 mpg highway. The interiors of all Camaros get a refresh as well.
Specific to the SS model is the new FE4 sport suspension package, whose adjustments to suspension tuning and geometry are the result of what engineers learned developing the exciting new Camaro ZL1.
My Dream Pick above Please send your donation$ 2 `Space 
2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Chevy is calling the ZL1 the most technologically advanced vehicle of the pony-car class. It’s armed with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 offering 550 bhp sent through a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The retuned chassis has GM’s Magnetic Ride Control technology and borrows the Performance Traction Management system from Corvette. The ZL1’s launch coincides with the 45th anniversary of the Camaro, which Chevy will commemorate with a Special Edition model.
Last, the Corvette range. Both Z06 and ZR1 benefit from a new performance package tire, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure, mounted on a lighter new wheel. The PTM system has been optimized for these changes and included on both Z06 and ZR1, resulting in an improvement of over 6 seconds at the Nürburgring for the ZR1, with the Z06 running just 3 seconds behind it.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette Centennial Edition
New cars from Chevrolet for the 2012 model year.
By the R&T Staff
July 11, 2011
More from Chevrolet >><!--/photos-video-wrapper-->
<!-- /Main photo wrapper --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Chevrolet looks to deliver some excitement next year beginning with the all-new subcompact Sonic. The same two engines in the Chevy Cruze will power the smaller Sonic, a 1.8-liter inline-4 (135 bhp with a 6-speed auto or 5-speed manual transmission) or the turbocharged 1.4-liter (138 bhp with a 6-speed manual only), both of which make this sub-$15K car a fun and attractive package. See our Drive of the Sonic in this issue.
2012 Chevrolet Sonic
An all-new 2013 Malibu makes its debut next year. Its fully redesigned exterior blends sportier styling cues from both Camaro and Corvette. The engine is a new direct-injection 2.5-liter Ecotec, slightly more powerful and efficient than the previous 2.4-liter, which will mate to a newly optimized 6-speed automatic. Chevy will retain the 2.4-liter for use in the Malibu ECO model with eAssist, which will pair a 15-kW electric motor and 0.5-kWh lithium-ion battery for mild-hybrid functionality.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
Another star player, the Camaro, gets a revised V-6 engine—the LFX—that’s lighter and bumps peak power output by 11 bhp to 323 bhp at 6800 rpm while returning 30 mpg highway. The interiors of all Camaros get a refresh as well.
Specific to the SS model is the new FE4 sport suspension package, whose adjustments to suspension tuning and geometry are the result of what engineers learned developing the exciting new Camaro ZL1.
My Dream Pick above Please send your donation$ 2 `Space 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Chevy is calling the ZL1 the most technologically advanced vehicle of the pony-car class. It’s armed with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 offering 550 bhp sent through a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The retuned chassis has GM’s Magnetic Ride Control technology and borrows the Performance Traction Management system from Corvette. The ZL1’s launch coincides with the 45th anniversary of the Camaro, which Chevy will commemorate with a Special Edition model.
Last, the Corvette range. Both Z06 and ZR1 benefit from a new performance package tire, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure, mounted on a lighter new wheel. The PTM system has been optimized for these changes and included on both Z06 and ZR1, resulting in an improvement of over 6 seconds at the Nürburgring for the ZR1, with the Z06 running just 3 seconds behind it.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette Centennial Edition
Last edited by Space; 08-10-2011 at 07:37 AM.
#4
08-10-2011, 08:17 AM
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Southeast PA
Posts: 25,136
Good to hear the v6 Camaro is getting even MORE power . Like it NEEDED it.
We all know which little hatch I would choose. I've been saying it all the time :p, bring me the Abarth Fiat 500
. Like it NEEDED it.We all know which little hatch I would choose. I've been saying it all the time :p, bring me the Abarth Fiat 500
#5
08-10-2011, 08:36 AM
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Wauconda, IL
Posts: 13,335
Since previously owning a Mini Cooper S that makes around the same hp as the Abarth, too me it still wasn't enough HP for my taste. Yes it was a fun little car, but I guess my preference would be a little larger car with more HP like the Ford Focus ST.
#6
08-10-2011, 08:45 AM
Monte Of The Month -- August 2009
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Highland, IN
Posts: 5,827
I don't like hatch backs, but, if I had to have one...
#8
08-11-2011, 10:08 AM
`Ted, you have expensive taste in rides : ) Mod `Mike, I agree that a turbo has lots more power to gain `if one has the knowledge
=============================================
New from Bugatti for 2012 - First Look
New cars from Bugatti for the 2012 model year.
By the R&T Staff
July 11, 2011
New Cars for 2012 >>
More from Bugatti >>
<!--/photos-video-wrapper-->
<!-- /Main photo wrapper --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport
The fastest production coupe in the world has sold out, with all 300 units spoken for. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport armed with 1200 bhp and 1106 lb.-ft. of torque is capable of rocketing to the record speed of 268 mph, and 60 mph in 2.4 seconds. However, despite sharing the same mechanical configuration, all the cars for the consumer are limited to 258 mph to protect the tires. The $2 million Veyron Grand Sport with its removable top is still available for 2012, but not for long.
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport
^^^ Please get one 4 me : ) Thanks U in advance : )
=============================================
New from Bugatti for 2012 - First Look
New cars from Bugatti for the 2012 model year.
By the R&T Staff
July 11, 2011
New Cars for 2012 >>More from Bugatti >><!--/photos-video-wrapper-->
<!-- /Main photo wrapper --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport
The fastest production coupe in the world has sold out, with all 300 units spoken for. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport armed with 1200 bhp and 1106 lb.-ft. of torque is capable of rocketing to the record speed of 268 mph, and 60 mph in 2.4 seconds. However, despite sharing the same mechanical configuration, all the cars for the consumer are limited to 258 mph to protect the tires. The $2 million Veyron Grand Sport with its removable top is still available for 2012, but not for long.
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport
^^^ Please get one 4 me : ) Thanks U in advance : )
#9
08-11-2011, 07:50 PM
I think Volkswagen is making a move in the right direction by trying to make the Beetle a little more manly. A 200 hp turbocharged Beetle sounds like fun. But in the end, it still looks like the "cute little bug" of old. And it's hard to look manly in a Beetle. Kinda like trying to look manly in a Miata.
#10
08-12-2011, 05:27 AM
Hello `Lou,
I like what they did 2 the New Beetle & that little 2L Turbo model should be a blast 2 drive....I want to test drive one someday...
I also like the MX5 Mazda (My g/f had a Miata & the Bum's & I drove it everywhere & it was a Blast to drive & it took a beating & upkeep was low)
I don't know if people would think I don't look manly in one, but that's their problem...They are a Blast to drive 4 a low dollar cost 2 own 4-Sure...
Zoom-Zoom~>Zoom ~>
Wouldn't U like to `go Zoom~Zoom ~> 
a Space Custom 
Retractable Top Zoom-Zoom 
Wanta `Race ~> =====================